Williams Honored Prior to Ohio State Game

Maryland Athletics

12-4-2013

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Former Maryland head coach Gary Williams was honored prior to Wednesday’s game at No. 5 Ohio State in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. He was joined on the court by Jim Delany, Gene Smith and Kevin Anderson. Williams served as the Buckeyes’ head coach for three seasons from 1987-89 prior to his legendary coaching tenure at Maryland.

“Gary is an outstanding ambassador to college basketball,” said Maryland director of athletics Kevin Anderson. “With his passion and tireless work ethic, he changed the culture and brought back a winning tradition to both basketball programs at Maryland and Ohio State. He and his teams made an indelible mark in both the ACC and Big Ten conferences and this recognition is a testament to his leadership and commitment to his student-athletes and our universities.”

A member of the University of Maryland Alumni Hall of Fame, University of Maryland Sports Hall of Fame, Greater Washington Sports Hall of Champions, and the Baltimore Sports Legends Museum Hall of Legends, Williams ranks third in ACC history with 461 wins behind only Mike Krzyzewski and Dean Smith.

In his 33 years as a head coach, he amassed an overall record of 668-380 (.637), including 461-252 (.646) at Maryland. Williams also served as head coach at Ohio State, Boston College and American.

His career is nothing short of extraordinary: 14 NCAA tournament appearances, three ACC regular season titles, ACC tournament championships, seven Sweet Sixteens, two Elite Eights, two Final Fours and a National Championship in 2002. Williams was the National Coach of the Year in 2002, and the ACC Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2010.

Williams garnered a 59-41 (.590) record in three seasons at Ohio State, including one NCAA Tournament appearance.

Tonight’s matchup marks the first meeting between Maryland and Ohio State since 1985 – two seasons prior to Williams’ arrival as head coach. The Buckeyes won the game at home, 78-66.